Students express concern for cuts at Highland district

Wednesday

Feb 20, 2013 at 2:00 AM

HIGHLAND — The school board, no strangers to angry partisans at budget time, heard from a notably polite group of residents whose concern for educational priorities went beyond the usual worries about taxes Tuesday night.

BY JEREMIAH HORRIGAN

HIGHLAND — The school board, no strangers to angry partisans at budget time, heard from a notably polite group of residents whose concern for educational priorities went beyond the usual worries about taxes Tuesday night.

Juniors and seniors at the district's high school voiced their worries about possible elimination of advanced placement offerings, sports, music and language programs.

At stake, they said, in voices tinged with worry and nervousness, was something more than tax hikes.

Each of the five students told the board they were worried that programming cutbacks could harm their futures.

Senior Kyle Welch spoke of the need for French classes "because it's more useful in the global market."

Junior Osmaan Shahid stressed the importance of AP courses because without them, he said, students were at a disadvantage in applying for top-ranked colleges.

Sarah Kassel, a junior, while describing herself as "not exactly an overachiever," urged the board not to cut the music program because participating in it can demonstrate dedication at college-application time.

Andre Dias, a senior, spoke up for retaining full-day kindergarten "because we know it's more beneficial for young kids" than half-day sessions.

Junior Shannon Ward told the board that sports is an important part of the curriculum "because they're great for making team players — in the corporate world, you can't just work on your own."

School board President Alan Barone said the students' concerns would be seriously considered, while urging them to continue to attend future budget meetings.